prostaglandin

prostaglandins: a group on chemical compounds found in body tissues that belong to the class, fatty acids, and so named because they were first found in the prostate gland. Among other things, they induce uterine contractions and lower blood pressure.

Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index

Any of a class of hormone-like, lipid-soluble regulatory molecules constructed from polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonate. These molecules participate in diverse body functions such as smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, vasodilation, and kidney regulation.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.